Special Wildlife Technical Session:
Sustainability of Eastern Oak Forest Ecosystems
The session objectives are to describe wildlife ecology and management in eastern oak (Quercus spp.) forests, raise awareness about the potential impacts of continued oak decline on wildlife, and review the current efforts to develop regional, inter-disciplinary programs to proactively address the loss of eastern oak forests. Speakers from the U.S. Forest Service, state wildlife agencies, and universities will provide an inter-disciplinary treatment of the ecology and current condition of eastern oak forests, wildlife-oak interactions, issues and threats to oak sustainability, and potential solutions.
“The decline of eastern oak forests portend future negative impacts on wildlife populations... sustainability... will depend on regional, inter-disciplinary research and management.”
Background
Comprising approximately 4.5 million hectares, oaks dominate many forest stands throughout much of the eastern United States and exert a tremendous influence on natural communities and society. Oaks have a disproportionate impact on biological communities by influencing the development of mid-story and herbaceous vegetation, providing shelter to a diversity of species, and serving as an important wildlife food source. Acorn production has been identified as a key element driving the population dynamics of ruffed grouse, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, rodents, and songbirds. Oak forests also are valued for their recreational opportunities, aesthetic qualities, and importance as a timber resource.
Despite the ecological and sociological importance of oak species in the eastern U.S., eastern oak forests are declining. The decline of oak forests is due to a variety of causes including:
- lack of regeneration,
- disruption of natural disturbance regimens,
- over-browsing of acorns and seedlings by white-tailed deer,
- reduced productivity and increased mortality caused by insects and pathogens,
- and loss of habitat due to urbanization.
The decline of eastern oak forests portend future negative impacts on wildlife populations. Given the spatial scale of oak forests and their ecological, economic, and sociological importance, the future sustainability of eastern oak forests will depend on regional, inter-disciplinary research and management.
For more information, contact:
Patrick K. Devers, Ph.D.
The Conservation Management Institute (0534)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
pdevers@vt.edu
540-231-9221
